If you like the idea of having blistering power in an unsuspecting-looking vehicle, the X5s we have sampled previously (50i and M50d) would have had your eyes peeled.
What we have here, though, is the base 30d, which in comparison has two fewer cylinders than the range-topping petrol, one less turbo than the M50d, and therefore comes with less accompanying performance.
Unfortunately, because diesels are still vying and trying hard to shed their tainted image, petrol is the 'default' choice in Singapore.
We reckon, however, that you shouldn't be too quick to jump to conclusion. Just as we thought the junior diesel would be mediocre in most aspects - dynamic abilities, level of equipment, etc. - we were left pretty impressed after we took it out for a drive.
What we have here, though, is the base 30d, which in comparison has two fewer cylinders than the range-topping petrol, one less turbo than the M50d, and therefore comes with less accompanying performance.
Unfortunately, because diesels are still vying and trying hard to shed their tainted image, petrol is the 'default' choice in Singapore.
We reckon, however, that you shouldn't be too quick to jump to conclusion. Just as we thought the junior diesel would be mediocre in most aspects - dynamic abilities, level of equipment, etc. - we were left pretty impressed after we took it out for a drive.
Up close and Personal
More often than not, diesel variants are considered more inferior than their petrol counterparts. This is not the case at BMW, where the 30d sits on par with its 35i brother. Both are priced equally too.
In terms of standard equipment, the 30d does not lose out compared to its more expensive brothers. There is still a generous list of 'goodies' on board, including adaptive LED headlamps, full length sunroof, mood-setting cabin lighting, etc.
This means other than the V8 rumble and the extra serving of power, you wouldn't be missing out much in the 30d.
The Drive
The 30d may be easily outshined by the ballistic power figures from its bigger brethrens. But with 255bhp and 560Nm of torque, it is never sheepish by any standard.
In fact, the 3.0-litre turbodiesel offers the type of exurberance and refinement that exceeds one's expectations. The torquey character of the 30d often belies its hefty nature and it will sprint to the century mark in a respectable 6.9 seconds when you put your foot down at the lights. Such is the capability of the junior diesel that it makes the 50i feel like an 'overkill'.
With no change in its setup, the base variant, too, will serve up the sorted dynamics found on its big brothers. While the law of physics still reigns and the 30d will never quite match up to a hot hatch's agility, body roll over bends is genuinely well-controlled.
And thanks to the variable all-wheel drive system that will cleverly send torque to the wheel with the most traction, there is also an added sense of surefootedness - a trait that is required from a car of this size.
The 30d may be easily outshined by the ballistic power figures from its bigger brethrens. But with 255bhp and 560Nm of torque, it is never sheepish by any standard.
In fact, the 3.0-litre turbodiesel offers the type of exurberance and refinement that exceeds one's expectations. The torquey character of the 30d often belies its hefty nature and it will sprint to the century mark in a respectable 6.9 seconds when you put your foot down at the lights. Such is the capability of the junior diesel that it makes the 50i feel like an 'overkill'.
With no change in its setup, the base variant, too, will serve up the sorted dynamics found on its big brothers. While the law of physics still reigns and the 30d will never quite match up to a hot hatch's agility, body roll over bends is genuinely well-controlled.
And thanks to the variable all-wheel drive system that will cleverly send torque to the wheel with the most traction, there is also an added sense of surefootedness - a trait that is required from a car of this size.
What left us most impressed is the refinement of the diesel plant. Without taking a peep at its moniker, you could even mistake it as a petrol variant. This makes travelling a hush and plush affair for all on board.
Conclusion
Many would have expected lethargicness when a smaller, more economical engine is fitted to an all-wheel drive vehicle that weighs close to two tonnes.
But the 30d has no such problems. Instead, modern technologies have made it so capable that it retains much of the X5's sporty flavour, filling roles as both a luxurious urban dweller and a capable off-roader.
Most importantly, the better fuel economy will have us rethink our conventional preference for petrol-driven cars. And you should too.
Conclusion
Many would have expected lethargicness when a smaller, more economical engine is fitted to an all-wheel drive vehicle that weighs close to two tonnes.
But the 30d has no such problems. Instead, modern technologies have made it so capable that it retains much of the X5's sporty flavour, filling roles as both a luxurious urban dweller and a capable off-roader.
Most importantly, the better fuel economy will have us rethink our conventional preference for petrol-driven cars. And you should too.
